November 20, 2024 ~ Lucy Ann Lance talks with Dr. Gina Lynem-Walker, Medical Director for Utilization Management at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for this week's A Healthier Michigan. Antibiotics are effective for treating bacterial infections, such as soft tissue and respiratory illnesses, but they do not work against viral infections like the common cold. Doctors use tests to determine the appropriate antibiotic for bacterial infections, such as strep throat. While broad-spectrum antibiotics can target multiple bacteria, improper use, particularly for viral infections, can lead to antibiotic resistance and the development of resistant “superbugs.” Misuse of antibiotics can also contribute to health issues like asthma, obesity, and autoimmune diseases, with overprescription during childhood increasing the risk of future resistance.